Author: Karen27

We first read about this restaurant and chef, Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly, in the WSJ. We ate there twice while in Montreal -- and yes, there are a number of great restaurants in this city but we were hooked. Specializing in small plates with big flavors, we...were delighted both nights. The space is small with a pressed tin ceiling, a (zinc?) bar, nice size tables, perfect lighting -- they have an old Fridigdaire ice box in the dining room that they use for wine storage. The first night was an unusually slow one for the restaurant. We were seated near the open kitchen and got tons of attention from the wait staff. We also got to meet Mehdi, who is charming and committed to making his food special. The seasonings and flavors in each dish are distinctive yet work together perfectly. On our second visit, the place was jumping but the food and service were equal to the slower night. They have a great bar and bartender - they have speciality cocktails but know their way around the standards. We loved the entire experience. (Each small plates serves two people -- five plates are about right for two people plus dessert.) Thanks to Felix and one of his colleagues, whose name we didn't catch, for making our visits so pleasurable. And, keep your eye on this chef.